2017 Porsche Macan GTS

The Macan is a very special car for Porsche. Just after debuting in 2015, the model quickly rose to become the second best selling brand for the automaker. When it was launched in 2015, the Macan was only offered in S and Turbo models. Due to the excellent performance in the market, Porsche is adding two more trims to the lineup, a new base model that will be powered by a 4-cylinder mill and a performance-oriented GTS. This review concentrates on the 2017 Porsche Macan GTS.

Overall, the 2017 Porsche Macan GTS is based on the Audi Q5. The vehicle blends traits of a full-size SUV and Porsche’s performance credentials. Some quarters have referred to the model as a sports car in the guise of an SUV. This is due to its excellent performance. The GTS has taken the performance of the SUV even a step higher. The model will slot in between the Macan S and the top Turbo trim.

GTS is a nametag given to Porsche models that are more driver-focused but not necessarily the most powerful or expensive. The GTS slots between the Macan S and the more potent Macan Turbo. Its performance Oriented genes are visible from the outside where the exterior has been specifically tuned to improve its performance. Read along for more:

2017 Porsche Macan GTS Exterior

The 2017 Macan GTS stands at 184.72 inches long, 82.6 inches wide and has a height of 63.5 inches while its wheelbase spans 110.51 inches. The vehicle weighs 4,178 lbs. The model is well equipped even to handle the off roads. It comes with a 7.8-inch ground clearance level which you can raise to 9 inches by selecting the optional air suspension. A look at the model reveals its low sitting but menacing look. Compared to the Macan S and the Macan Turbo, the GTS looks more capable. The vehicle’s exterior features a number of matte black accents.

The front fascia features a blackened grille. The grille is flanked by LED headlights and fog lights. The lights feature smoked housings which add to its menacing face. On the sides, the model features 20-inch RS Spyder Design wheels with a Satin Black finish. Next to the front wheels are 6-piston red brake calipers which provide the stopping power. The rear however features single-piston calipers. The GTS is also differentiated by a black accent piece on the lower section of its doors between the wheels.

At the rear, there are 4 chrome-finished exhaust tips. Its taillights feature LED lighting and are housed in smoked lenses. A black badging on its tailgate sets the GTS apart from the S and Turbo sisters.

Overall, the model’s exterior is very aerodynamic with a 0.36 coefficient of drag.

2017 Porsche Macan GTS Interior

Compared to the Macan S, the cabin of the GTS is an upgrade. The seats are upholstered with a combination of leather and Alcantara. A GTS logo is affixed on the front seats. The front seats are 8-way powered. The cabin also features GTS-exclusive tread plates that spell out that this is a GTS Macan. Leather surfaces feature an attractive red contrast stitching. To match the red stitching, a buyer can request for red seatbelts and a red themed tachometer.

The model features a rear bench as opposed to individual seats. The bench splits at the middle section which folds to form an armrest for the rear passengers. The bench can also be folded to expand cargo space from 17.7 cubic feet to 53 cubic feet. The seats are upholstered in both leather and Alcantara.

Tech-wise, the GTS Macan features a new infotainment system. Buyers can either go for the standard Porsche Connect which comes with Apple CarPlay or the Porsche Connect Plus which adds 3D navigation and dynamic route calculation. This system also features real-time traffic updates and LTE Wi-Fi hotspot. The GTS will also feature as standard a Porsche Communication Management system. This system features 8-speaker Sound Package Plus, an Aux-in interface, SiriusXM, USB, Bluetooth connectivity and HD radio.

For safety, the model has a reinforced structure and is equipped with a full package of airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, traction control, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control as well as both front and rear crumple zones.

Engine Specs and performance

For a performance-oriented vehicle, the exterior looks are nothing if they are not backed by a matching power mill. Here, the Macan GTS fully backs its claim as a performance SUV. The model is powered by a similar 3.0 L, V-6 engine that powers the Macan S. However, the engine has been tweaked to produce extra 20 horses to take its total output to 360 hp at 6,000 rpm while torque has also been improved to 369 lb-ft of torque and is only available from 1,650 rpm to 4,000 rpm.

The engine is mated with a 7-speed PDK transmission system which sends power to the rear wheels and combines with a hydraulic-actuated center clutch to channel power to the front wheels when necessary. It also features a locking rear differential.

A Sport Chrono package is offered as an option. With the package, the crossover SUV can hit 60 mph from standstill in 4.8 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the Macan S. The model has a top speed of 159 mph.

Price and release date

The model is already on sale in the U.S. To get your hands on this Porsche Macan GTS, you will need to fork out $ 67,200 exclusive of destination charges.

Competition

Close rivals of the 2017 Porsche Macan GTS include its cousin the Audi SQ5, Jaguar F-Pace and BMW X4 . However, the Audi RS Q3 is its real competitor but sadly, the Q3 is not offered in the US.